Denver is considering a new city department in response to concerns expressed by bike and pedestrian advocates about the implementation of long-term plans.

"Denver voters this November could get a say in renaming the city’s public works department as part of a long-coming revamp that is putting more emphasis on boosting transit and other mobility options," reports Jon Murray.
Murray adds more specifics about the proposal to revamp the city's Department of Public works: "Mayor Michael Hancock on Tuesday announced his proposal to create the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure via a charter amendment that would cement a nearly two-year reorganization effort. It also would redirect the focus of the department after complaints from bike and pedestrian advocates that the city has been slow to implement its long-term plans."
The decision to create a new city department will require the approval fo voters, but there is one more election that will determine the future of the proposal: whether Mayor Hancock is re-elected in a citywide election scheduled for May 7.
For more background on the two-year process of rethinking the Denver Department of Public Works, see earlier coverage from September 2018, written by Andrew Kenney.
FULL STORY: Mayor Michael Hancock pitches November vote on new Denver department promoting “transportation equity”

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At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

How Madison’s Tree Planting Efforts Are Growing a Healthier Community
Madison’s annual tree planting initiative is enhancing environmental resilience, public health, and community livability by adding 1,400 carefully selected trees citywide, with strong community and institutional support for urban forestry.

Texas State Bills Could Kill Transit Funding in Dallas, Austin
State lawmakers could pull funding from the state’s largest transit agency and the ambitious Project Connect, a voter-approved transit project in Austin.

Opinion: DC Encampment Sweeps Hide, but Don’t Solve, Homelessness
President Trump recently ordered the clearing of encampments built by unhoused people on federal land in Washington, D.C.
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